Afghan-Pakistan border remains vital link for extremists

Updated
September 10, 2011 11:55:00

A decade after the September 11 attacks the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is still part of the front line in the war against terrorism. The US-led coalition has deployed thousands of troops and invested billions of dollars in fighting against the insurgency but members of extremist groups are still able to smuggle weapons, ammunition and explosives across the rugged border.

ELIZABETH JACKSON: A decade after attacks, and the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is still part of the front line in the war against terrorism. The US-led coalition has deployed thousands of troops and invested billions of dollars in fighting against the insurgency.

But members of extremist groups are still able to smuggle weapons, ammunition and explosives across the rugged border.

SALLY SARA: This outpost is so high up in the mountains, the view looks as if it must be through an aircraft window. Observation Post Mustang sits on top of a triangular peak, less than four kilometres from Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.

The soldiers here have been shot at and at least one was struck by lightning. The only way in and out of Observation Post Mustang is by helicopter.

(Sound of helicopter)

The insurgents use the terrain very carefully, to hide from US troops and to smuggle weapons across the border.

Sergeant Eric Scharf is one of the US army squad leaders here.

ERIC SCHARF: As far as their ability to move in and out, they're incredibly skilled and that's something I stress to my men is that's something I would never, ever underestimate. Do not underestimate these guys at all.

SALLY SARA: Some of the US soldiers stationed here were still at school when the September 11 terrorist attacks took place a decade ago.

Sergeant Carlos Padilla had just joined the army a few months earlier, and was undergoing a routine medical check, when the events unfolded.

CARLOS PADILLA: I saw it on the news and the whole clinic on the army base was pretty much frozen, crowded around the TV watching it transpire.

SALLY SARA: Sergeant Padilla says he and the other soldiers knew that America would go to war.

CARLOS PADILLA: Oh yeah, oh yeah. As the news transpired and as it was said that it was terrorist acts, I knew we were going to react.

SALLY SARA: Now, a decade later, soldiers are still perched on top of the mountain at Observation Post Mustang.

Afghan militia commander Abad Khan helps to keep watch from a wooden platform overlooking the valley. He says if anyone tries to do anything wrong in Afghanistan, the Afghans will fight them.

(Abad Khan speaking)

While the US-led coalition has a foothold in Afghanistan, neighbouring Pakistan remains an unstable and dangerous place. Ironically, the US killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden earlier this year, has further strained ties between the US and Pakistani governments.

As coalition forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by 2014, it's still not clear whether the US regards Pakistan as an ally or enemy in the fight against terrorism. The mountains that have hidden many of Al Qaeda's leaders along the border remain on the front line of the war.

This is Sally Sara reporting from Observation Post Mustang, for Saturday AM.